Sportribune
Soufiane Rahimi capped off his season by winning the AFC Champions League title with Al Ain Fc and also the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards of the competition. His 13 goals were crucial in Al Ain FC’s title-winning. which culminated in a decisive 5-1 victory against Yokohama F. Marinos in the second leg of the final on Saturday.
Rahimi’s stellar performance in the final, and his doubles, ensured Al Ain FC claimed their second AFC Champions League, after winning the first title in the competition innaugural in 2003. This victory marks the end of the tournament’s current format before the introduction of the AFC Champions League Elite next year.
The Moroccan forward’s 13 goals equaled the record for most goals in a single AFC Champions League season, a mark previously set by Guangzhou FC’s Muriqui (2013), FC Seoul’s Adriano (2016), and Al Sadd’s Baghdad Bounedjah (2018).
Notably, Rahimi started his career at Raja Club Athletic in Morocco, from humble beginnings, he worked his way up through sheer perseverance and dedication. His journey from the local leagues to the grand stage of Asian football is a testament to his determination and passion for football
Rahimi’s contributions throughout the tournament were instrumental in Al Ain FC’s success, showcasing his ability to perform in crucial moments. His record-tying goal tally and overall impact on the pitch earned him deserved recognition as both the tournament’s MVP and top scorer.
